A dock for rentable electric scooters has now been installed at the Triangle.
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Photo: Chris Zardis
As reported, a government-led trial is currently taking place in the city to allow people to access what's described as "a sustainable and socially distanced mode of travel".
The dock is at the junction of Cobden Bridge and Manor Farm Road, near the ramp to Riverside Park - on the site of the toilet that was removed in March 2020.
Chris Zardis of Shop Local Southampton, said he thought he was the first to use the facility on Sunday to visit Bitterne Park Stores.
“These things are great,” he said on social media. “I zoomed past the traffic on the bridge and could see that most people only had one person in the car and were probably wishing they went by escooter instead.”
Speaking to bitternepark.info he added: “The benefits of the scheme are multiple. Replacing single user car journeys with e-scooter rides results in less pollution, less congestion, and fewer car journeys usually means fewer serious accidents.
“I love that you can see nearby availability on the app, and that the number of places you can pick up and drop off scooters is increasing. You can even ride all the way to the beach at Weston Shore now, that's awesome.
“The scooters themselves are easy to use, smooth, have indicators, an automatic light and bell, drive a consistent speed up hills, and if you purchase a £40 monthly pass Voi offer to send you a foldable helmet.”
Orange rental e-scooters can ride on the same road spaces as bikes, including cycle lanes, and are equipped with bright lights and identification plates.
To use one a full or provisional driving licence is required – the full requirements and guidelines are on the council’s website.
Privately-owned, unregulated e-scooters are not included in the trial and remain illegal to use, except on private land.
There’s more information about using the scooters, and a link to download the app, on the voi website.
Also one at corner of Manor Farm Road and woodmill Lane. They're great and so fun to use! Other road users been respectful to me so far
— Gareth Lake (@FPL_Lakey) May 25, 2021